Sooners Hold Fast-Paced First Practice

NORMAN – The Oklahoma women's basketball team held its first official practice of the season Monday, a two-hour session at the Lloyd Noble Center that focused on transition offense and defense.

The Sooners kicked off their first practice with the theme “Ready, Go, Set” which features a three-day crash course in stopping opponents in transition while taking advantage in the offensive floor.

“We just wanted to spend three days focusing entirely on transition,” head coach Sherri Coale said. “It's such an important part of the game. The game isn't that complicated if you can take away easy baskets and if you can make easy baskets, you'll win a lot of games. The focus on that is what we're trying to accomplish with 'Ready, Go, Set'.”

The Sooners also put a heavy emphasis on communication in Monday's opening practice, something that has been a cornerstone of Coale's program for nearly 20 seasons. Senior forward Kaylon Williams, who led the team with 6.6 rebounds per game a year ago while averaging 12.2 points, said she was pleased with OU's initial practice.

“It felt different today, obviously, because it was practice,” Williams said. “We've been in preseason mode the last couple of weeks, doing a lot of conditioning and building our muscles to get ready for today. I thought we communicated well and did a good job of attacking each drill.”

We just wanted to spend three days focusing entirely on transition. It's such an important part of the game. The game isn't that complicated if you can take away easy baskets and if you can make easy baskets, you'll win a lot of games
— Sherri Coale

With 11 returners from last season's squad that placed second in the Big 12 and finished with a 21-12 overall record, Williams believes having a continuity amongst her teammates will pay dividends during the early stages of practice.

“The biggest thing I've noticed is everyone's confidence level. Last year, we had a lot of people contribute,” Williams said. “This year is the exact same. Having so many players with experience helps us continue to get better on the court.”

Freshman forward Ijeoma Odimgbe said the first practice of her collegiate career moved at a rapid pace, but said she settled in as the session moved along.

“I came in really nervous and didn't know what to expect, but as I got started things became a little easier,” Odimgbe said after practice. “There were a couple of things I struggled with, but my teammates and coaches really helped me out with my questions. The way Coach Coale breaks down practice makes things a lot easier for me to pick up.”

OU's returning scorer from last season, junior guard Peyton Little, liked the effort she saw on the court from her teammates.

“We're focused on getting better each day and continuing to work hard,” Little said. “Obviously, only losing just a few players is a benefit to us. We're a different team from last season. We've matured on the court and we're going to continue to keep working hard at practice every day to get better and better.”

OU begins the 2015-16 season on Nov. 4 by hosting Southwestern Oklahoma State for an exhibition game at 7 p.m. at the Lloyd Noble Center. To purchase season tickets or six-game mini plans, call (800) 456-4668.

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